Chapter 8
Chapter Eight
CHASE - NINE MONTHS LATER
Why is it that every time Rylee comes to the bar, I get nervous? I shouldn’t be. Things have been even better than ever these last couple of months with her. If we’re not working, we’re spending all of our free time together.
It’s pretty damn perfect.
I know she’s going to say yes to my question, but it still makes me anxious.
I closed the bar early tonight and sent everyone home. I don’t want anyone else around for this.
I don’t know how it’s possible, but I fall more and more in love with this woman every day. She’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me and I’m so fucking lucky that we took a chance on each other.
And even though our lives won’t change that much if—no, when—she says yes, it’ll mean everything to me.
“Hey, Cowboy.”
My gaze snaps to hers as she saunters across the bar. I toss the rag over my shoulder and grab her usual beer for her.
“Howdy, Honey.”
She looks as sexy as she always does in a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt tied over her belly button.
“You look awfully deep in thought over there.”
“What can I say? I have some things on my mind.”
That has her stopping. “Like what?”
She looks confused. The two of us talk more about what’s going on in our lives than most do.
Hell, I’ve had more conversations—like an actual adult—with Rylee than anyone else.
I don’t know if it would have happened if Joey hadn’t walked in on us that first morning.
It forced us to evaluate what we wanted, and now I’m in the best relationship I’ve ever had.
“There’s something I want to ask you.”
“Okay.” She looks even more confused.
“I know we haven’t talked about this—”
“You’re not asking me to marry you, are you?” she cuts in.
“God, no.” I laugh. “I know you don’t want to get married for a few more years.”
“I mean, I wouldn’t say no, but it’d be sooner than I planned on.”
Grabbing her hand, I press a kiss to her palm. “I’m asking you to move in with me.”
“That’s what you want? Me to move in with you?”
“Yes?” I question.
I thought this was something we were ready for, but now I’m second-guessing myself.
Rylee stands and walks around the bar, hopping onto the corner in front of me. Resting her hands on my shoulders, she pulls me between her legs.
“You realize we’re already living together, right?”
“I think I’d know if we were living together.” I shake my head.
“You sweet, sweet man. You gave me a key and a drawer.”
“That was a few months ago,” I agree.
“And I’ve been living with you ever since then. Have you ever noticed that all of my stuff is there and we never stay at my place?”
“Because my place is more convenient.”
She grins at me. “Also because there is nothing at my place anymore.”
“Well, fuck me.” I shake my head. “Here I thought I was making a big gesture for you.”
“Sorry, did I rain on your big moment?”
“I mean, kind of.”
“Do you want to make it official?” She straightens her spine, locking emotion out of her face.
But she’s doing a bad job of it because she looks like she’s ready to burst out laughing.
“Okay, ask me again.”
“No. Now I don’t want to.”
“Aww, come on, Chase. I want you to.”
I shake my head at her, loving the look on her face.
“You’re looking at me like you like me.” I smile at her.
“Excuse me, I actually love you.”
“Damn right you do. Now, will you move in with me?”
The happiest grin slides across her face. “Chase Andrews, there is nothing in this world that will stop me from moving in with you.”
“Or moving out.” I return her smile.
“Nothing at all. I want to live with you forever. Get married, have a few babies, grow old with you. Do all the things.”
“All the things.” I capture her mouth with mine, loving that idea. “But if we get engaged, will you be sure to let me know when it happens?”
“Oh my God.” She laughs. “You are never going to let me live this down, are you?”
“If I get a ring for you, I’m not keeping it anywhere you can find it to start wearing it without me asking.”
“Hey.” She smacks me on the chest. “I wouldn’t do that. I want an epic speech of how much you love me and can’t live without me.”
“Oh, Honey. Just you wait. I have a whole thing planned.”
“You do?”
I nod. “Pretty much since the day we got together.”
She links her ankles behind my back. “Does it have anything to do with that first time?”
“I’m not telling.”
“Chase. You cannot tease me with how you’re proposing and then not give me anything. That’s just mean.”
“Take it as revenge for moving in and not telling me.”
“Okay.” She holds one finger up in front of my face. “That is the last time you get to use that against me.”
“Only for tonight,” I say. “You have to give me at least that.”
Rylee rolls her eyes at me. Fuck, I love this woman. An absolute fool for her.
“Fine. But I want at least one orgasm before we leave this bar.”
“Just one?” I pull her hips close, dragging my nose along her neck. “I’m not doing my job if I let you walk out of here with only one.”
“Didn’t you say we can’t keep having sex in the bar?”
“I’m willing to make exceptions.”
“You say that every time, Chase.”
“They’re good exceptions.”
She shakes her head at me. “They won’t be exceptions anymore if we keep doing it.”
“Are you saying you don’t want me to give you an orgasm or two before we go home together? Apparently to our place.”
“Oh, I’m not saying that at all. I want at least four.”
“Four here? You know we have a bed at home,” I say.
“I mean tonight. Get moving, Cowboy. Because you and I have to make good use of us celebrating moving in together.”
“Officially, Honey.”
“Damn right, Cowboy.”
I will deliver on every promise to her. Sex at the bar? It shouldn’t be our thing, but it is. It’s not the exception.
Because I will give this woman whatever she wants.
Grabbing the tequila, I do just that.
* * *
Want a fun bonus scene with Chase and Rylee? Check it out now! And preorder book one, Fight For Us, now!
Want more small town romance? Check out my Dixon Creek Ranch series today.
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After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing inclusive stories, with strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.
A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.
When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!